Image Credit: The New Humanitarian
The United Nations has revealed that Israel has blocked approximately one-third of all aid missions to Gaza since the beginning of August, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation in the besieged Palestinian territory. According to a recent update from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), this blockade has contributed to a “continued cycle of deprivation and distress” for the Gaza population.
From August 1 to 11, Israeli authorities obstructed 32 of 85 coordinated humanitarian aid missions intended for northern Gaza, while an additional 13 were impeded and six were canceled due to logistical and security reasons. In the southern regions of Gaza, out of 122 aid missions coordinated with Israeli authorities, 36 were denied, eight faced obstructions, and 15 were canceled. These restrictions have significantly undermined efforts to address the urgent humanitarian needs of Gaza’s residents.
The UN’s report further highlights the severe impact of ongoing Israeli attacks, with 198 individuals killed and 430 injured between Friday and Monday. The escalation of violence has compounded the difficulties faced by the population, who are increasingly reliant on humanitarian assistance.
The UN has criticized these actions, stating that the blockade of aid missions severely hampers efforts to provide essential support to those in need. The organization calls for immediate action to ensure the delivery of aid and to alleviate the suffering of the civilian population.
This report underscores the urgent need for a resolution to the ongoing conflict and an end to the blockade that continues to exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.